Tinder makes users pay EXTRA for app based on age and sexuality, shock investigation reveals

TINDER has been accused of OVERCHARGING gay and lesbian users, as well as those over 30, for premium features.

An investigation by consumer champion Which? found potentially unlawful pricing for Tinder Plus, which gives love seekers unlimited ‘Likes’ and ‘Rewinds’ and the ability to undo accidental swipes.

SOPA Images/LightRocket via GettTinder Plus allows lovers to undo accidental swipes[/caption]

Based on tests by almost 200 people, gay and lesbian daters on average pay £6.74 extra compared to bisexual users for an annual subscription.

Against straight people, it’s a difference of more than a fiver.

But the most shocking difference is among 18 to 29-year-olds, where a gay or lesbian in this age group can expect to pay over £16 extra.

Those of any sexuality were charged more if they are aged between 30 and 49-years-old, with the average heterosexual billed just over £75 per year, while younger straight people pay £31 less.

But bisexuals over 50 were hit with the highest average cost of £75.45.

The UK’s equality laws make it illegal to charge people of one sexual orientation more than others, unless there is a clear justification.

Which? says Tinder is not clear to customers about how they determine prices.

Equality regulator reviewing evidence

And now the equality regulator is looking into whether the company has broken the law.

“Our research uncovered concerning evidence that people using Tinder could unknowingly be facing higher charges because of their sexual orientation and age,” said Rocio Concha from Which?.

“This suggests possible unlawful price discrimination, whether or not it is intentional on Tinder’s part, and potentially unlawful processing of personal data.

“If regulators decide that Tinder’s personalised pricing is breaking the law then the dating app giant must face strong action.”

Match-owned Tinder has admitted that older people do have to pay more in some countries, treating it as a discount for younger users.

Under the law, age-based price differences are allowed if there is a legitimate basis.

A rep for the firm said: “Tinder is free to use and the vast majority of our members enjoy our app without upgrading to the paid experience.

“However, we do offer a variety of subscription options to help our members stand out and match with new people more efficiently.

“…We frequently offer promotional rates – which can vary based on factors like location or length of subscription. No other demographic information is considered in our pricing structure.

“It is categorically untrue that our pricing structure discriminates in any way by sexual preference.

“Any reporting or inference is patently false and outrageous.”

PATinder is one of the world’s most popular dating apps[/caption]

In other news, personalised smart guns, which can be fired only by verified users, may finally become available to U.S. consumers this year.

Tech giant Microsoft is trying to make the world more woke by rolling out an “inclusiveness” checker in its Word software.

And a federal anti-trust case against Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook, has been given the go-ahead.

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